TL;DR
Master the art of instrument passing and surgical anticipation — knowing what the surgeon needs before they ask. Efficient passing technique reduces operative time and demonstrates surgical technology competency.
Free Passing Techniques & Anticipation Practice Questions
CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) · Intraoperative Procedures
This module covers Passing Techniques & Anticipation as part of the Intraoperative Procedures section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) |
| Pass Rate | 72% |
| Duration | 240 minutes |
| Module | Passing Techniques & Anticipation |
Why Passing Techniques & Anticipation matters
Passing Techniques & Anticipation is a commonly tested topic on the CST Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) because it covers fundamental knowledge required for competent professional practice.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. When loading a curved needle onto a needle holder, the needle should be grasped at which location?
- At the swaged end where the suture is attached
- At the point (tip) of the needle
- Approximately one-third of the distance from the swaged end to the point
- At the exact midpoint of the needle body
2. The Mayo stand should be positioned:
- At least 3 feet away from the operative site to prevent contamination
- Over the operative site at a height that allows the ST to pass instruments efficiently
- Behind the surgical technologist for easy back table access
- On the opposite side of the table from the surgical technologist
3. During a total hip arthroplasty, the surgeon is preparing to cement the femoral component. The surgical technologist should anticipate having which items ready to pass in sequence?
- Pulse lavage, cement restrictor, mixed cement, femoral component, and cement pressurizer
- Bone wax, femoral rasp, cement, and femoral head trial
- Suction, Gelfoam, cement, and acetabular cup
- Bovie, bone cement, femoral component, and wound drain
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Start practicing free →4. When handing a free tie (ligature without a needle) to the surgeon, the surgical technologist should:
- Drop the suture strand onto the surgical field for the surgeon to pick up
- Place both ends of the suture in the surgeon's open palm
- Extend one end of the suture toward the surgeon while maintaining control of the remainder
- Clamp the suture with a hemostat and pass the hemostat to the surgeon
5. During a complex case, the surgeon unexpectedly encounters severe hemorrhage from a major vessel. Which action by the surgical technologist demonstrates the BEST anticipation and response?
- Wait for the surgeon to request specific instruments before acting
- Immediately hand the surgeon a laparotomy sponge for pressure, prepare vascular clamps, suction, and alert the circulator to have blood products available
- Begin preparing for wound closure to end the procedure quickly
- Remove all instruments from the Mayo stand to make room for new ones
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